Biologist Dismisses Leeches Report in Quintana Roo Lagoon, Cites Misidentification

José María Morelos, Quintana Roo — A biologist has dismissed social media claims that leeches have appeared in Laguna Esmeralda, part of the Chichankanab lagoon system, saying there is no scientific evidence to support the reports.

Biologist Jherico Antonio Meléndez Cumi said that according to national biodiversity studies, Quintana Roo is not listed among states where leeches have been recorded, making their presence in the municipality highly unlikely.

“In scientific studies published at the national level, Quintana Roo is not registered as one of the states with leech presence,” he said.

Meléndez explained that leeches typically inhabit flowing freshwater bodies such as rivers or streams, conditions different from those of the lagoon, which is a permanent system without significant flow.

The specialist said the most likely explanation is confusion with other aquatic species found in the area.

“People often mistake them for dragonfly nymphs or aquatic worms that remain in the sediment and emerge when the bottom is disturbed,” he said.

Authorities confirmed that one of the images shared in the social media posts, which appeared to show leeches, was taken from the internet and did not correspond to the site, contributing to public confusion.